All Sections on M48The first River Severn crossing (M48)The concept of a crossing of the Severn Estuary had certainly existed since early in the 19th century. It was first solved by the railway companies, initially by a train/passenger ferry/train transfer at purpose-built jetties at both shores of the estuary, later by the building of the tunnel. Until the Severn Bridge was opened road transport to and from Wales via the A40 crossed the Severn at Gloucester and took the tortuous route via Ross-on Wye and Monmouth, or through the Forest of Dean and Chepstow. As a possible alternative light vehicles might take the inadequate and irregular ferry between Beachley and Aust.